Fun fact: Sticking your chopsticks vertical in a bowl of rice is bad in Japan. Called tsukitate-bashi (突き立て箸), it is incredibly taboo because it reminds Japanese people of funerals, where a bowl of rice is left with two chopsticks standing vertically in the center. It's also supposed to bring bad luck.
Placing chopsticks like a "bridge" on a plate, bowl or other tableware is called "watashi bashi" and is considered a bad etiquette. Simply use the chopstick rest (hashi-oki) provided. If you are in a fancy restaurant or formal setting you should definitely not rest them across your bowl .
When you place chopsticks upright in a bowl, it's said to bring bad luck. Bad luck aside, this chopstick taboo is actually a no-no in many Asian countries so make use of those chopstick rests (箸置き) by your dish! You can also get crafty and rest disposable chopsticks on the bag they came in.
When you are eating food with chopsticks, especially with rice, do not stick your chopsticks into your food or rice. This is seen as a curse in Chinese culture. This is taboo and said to bring bad luck because it reminds people of the incense used a funeral.
1) Do not rub your chopsticks together
Rubbing your chopsticks together is seen as an insult in Japan. If you rub your chopsticks together it implies you're trying to get rid of splinters because they're cheap.
Don't use the chopsticks like a sword and "spear" your food. The Japanese consider this behavior rude. If the food is too difficult to pick up (this happens often with slippery foods), go ahead and use a fork instead.
It is not considered rude to use a fork instead of chopsticks in Japan. Restaurants that get a lot of tourists are used to accommodating for that. In fact, if you don't look Asian—or if it looks like you're struggling with your chopsticks—your server may even politely ask if you want a fork.
In preparing stir-fried dishes, foodstuffs are precut to bite-size morsels for fast cooking. As such, chopsticks also become a convenient utensil to pick them once cooked, for they could allow their users to transport, more precisely than a spoon would, the desired amount of food to their mouth.
Koreans do not stick their spoons or chopsticks vertically into their rice. This behavior is reserved for funeral ceremonies or for a jesa, a memorial service where food is offered in memory of the deceased. This is why foreigners should refrain from doing this; it would be considered rude and offensive.
The majority of Japanese except children don't carry their own chopsticks, however, you are allowed to use your own as long as you are comfortable. Anywhere in the world, one might feel strange to bring their own cutlery… It's best to ask restaurant staff before you start using your own though.
In Japan, people place the chopsticks horizontally and not vertically as in China. This is because the Japanese believe that they are the tools for eating food together with their god. It is a common thing to say ''itadakimasu'' before enjoying their meal, which means ''thank you for everything''.
Some people may want to stab or poke their food with chopsticks as a way to test its doneness, but this is also considered rude as it conveys the message that you don't trust the chef to cook your food properly.
Chopsticks (箸, hashi) are used to eat most kinds of traditional Japanese dishes with some exceptions. Some of the most important rules to remember when dining with chopsticks are: Hold your chopsticks towards their end, not in the middle or the front third.
It may seem convenient to rest your chopsticks by sticking them upright into your bowl of rice. However, in Japan, it is considered not only rude, but also bad luck, because of its affiliation with Japanese funerals. Traditionally, a bowl of rice is left for the dead with chopsticks stuck upright into the rice.
It is perfectly acceptable to eat sushi with your hands. Sushi started off as finger food. 9. It is equally acceptable to eat sushi with chopsticks.
Why are Korean chopsticks flat? Korean chopsticks are flat because they are made of metal. This makes them different from other types of chopsticks, which are typically made of wood or bamboo. It has been developed in a form that can save the metal used in making it as much as possible.
Since the ancient times, Koreans used a spoon to eat steamed rice, soup and stews while chopsticks were used to eat a variety of rather dry side dishes. Koreans are trained to use the spoon and the chopsticks correctly from childhood. Using both of these utensils at the same time is considered to display bad manners.
Metal utensils are said to be more hygienic, as they are easier to clean at a higher temperature. Particularly, metal chopsticks are ideal for picking up sizzling hot meat from the grill at the Korean BBQ table. Yet, metal is more slippery than wood and can be a challenge for foreigners, as it demands more precision.
Because from Roman times, Western countries used forks and spoons and cooked accordingly. Western dishes are less likely to be chopstick-friendly than Eastern dishes. And while a child can learn how to use chopsticks, there's a huge learning curve for adults.
According to Chinese mythology, rice was given as a gift from the animals after a large flood, giving the Chinese people a source of plentiful food. Rice thrived in China's wet rural environment and became the principal food staple of the region. Rice is versatile and filling, providing a satisfying meal.
In China: Chopsticks are made longer and thicker than in other areas of the world. They usually measure 25 cm long with circular sides. The chopsticks that you find in China also have wide, tapered ends making it slightly easier to use them. In Japan: Chopsticks are shorter and taper down to a pointed end.
Thais use forks and spoons
The Chinese influence tried to make chopsticks the norm in Thailand as well, and efforts were made by way of missionaries. However, the chopstick movement was quickly quashed by the monarchy in charge at the time.
Examples are beans, whole boiled eggs, and greasy and slippery meat. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have a boiled egg to eat but are unable to pick it up with your chopsticks after so many tries, do not stab or skewer it. Get a spoon or a fork.
2. When you're taking a break or done, it's most polite to place your chopsticks on top of the bowl (not in the bowl). This is an extension of NOT sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This takes place at Japanese funerals and is a no-no in restaurants.